A palliative environment: Caring for seriously ill hospitalized patients. Issue 2 (13th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Timmermann, Connie; Uhrenfeldt, Lisbeth; Høybye, Mette Terp; Birkelund, Regner
• Is Part Of: Palliative & supportive care. Volume 13:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 201
• Page End: 209
• Publication Date: 2014-02-13
• Subjects: Hospital environment, -- Palliative care, -- Well-being, -- Homeliness, -- Aesthetics; Palliative treatment -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1017/S147895151300117X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-9515

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To explore how patients experience being in the hospital environment and the meaning they assign to the environment during serious illness. Method: A qualitative study design was applied, and the data analysis was inspired by Ricoeur's phenomenological-hermeneutic theory of interpretation. Data were collected through multiple qualitative interviews combined with observations at a teaching hospital in Denmark from May to September 2011. A total of 12 patients participated. Results: The findings showed that the hospital environment has a strong impact on patients' emotions and well-being. They reported that aesthetic decorations and small cozy spots for conversation or relaxation created a sense of homeliness that reinforced a positive mood and personal strength. Furthermore, being surrounded by some of their personal items or undertaking familiar tasks, patients were able to maintain a better sense of self. Maintaining at least some kind of familiar daily rhythm was important for their sense of well-being and positive emotions. Significance of Results: The results stress the importance of an aesthetically pleasing and homelike hospital environment as part of palliative care, since the aesthetic practice and a sense of homeliness strengthened patients' experiences of well-being, relief, and positive emotions while in a vulnerable situation. Such knowledge could encourage the development of new policies regarding appropriate care settings, which in turn could result in overall improved care during serious illness.